New Orleans Pelicans Basketball Team Rises in NBA's Western Conference

The Rise of the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are a professional basketball team based in one of America's most iconic and historic cities. Nicknamed the "Pels," this young team has quickly made a name for itself with talented players, exciting play, and a passionate fan base.

The Origins of the New Orleans Pelicans Franchise

The Pelicans were originally founded as the Charlotte Hornets in 1988. After 14 seasons in North Carolina, the team relocated to New Orleans in 2002. However, they were known as the New Orleans Hornets for over a decade until rebranding as the Pelicans in 2013.

The name "Pelicans" may seem unusual for a sports team, but it holds special meaning in Louisiana. The state bird is the brown pelican, and pelicans as a symbol represent resilience and renewal. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the rebranded team provided hope for the recovering city.

A Team on the Rise

After years dwelling near the bottom of the NBA standings, the Pelicans rapidly rebuilt into an exciting, competitive squad behind young superstar talent.

Power forward Zion Williamson from nearby Spartanburg has ignited the team and city since being drafted first overall in 2019. Despite injury issues, the 22-year-old sensation has showcased freakish athleticism and dominant scoring ability early in his career.

Skilled forward Brandon Ingram earned an All-Star nod in 2020 and signed a 5-year contract extension, giving the Pelicans a potent one-two punch moving forward.

Hometown Heroes

Beyond Zion and Brandon Ingram, New Orleans has rallied around a roster full of easy-to-root-for talents.

Heart & Hustle Guys

Scrappy guard Jose Alvarado from New York City has become a home crowd favorite. Despite being undrafted, his relentless energy and perimeter defense electrifies the Smoothie King Center.

Center Jaxson Hayes - an Austin, TX native known for thunderous dunks and tenacious rebounding - is another bright, young building block.

Veteran Leadership

The Pelicans strike a nice balance blending youthful potential and tested veterans. Forward Larry Nance Jr. came over last season from Portland, contributing valuable experience from his runs to the Finals and Western Conference Finals.

New Orleans also benefits from skilled veteran guard CJ McCollum's winning mentality and scoring punch. Since arriving from Portland in a midseason trade, McCollum's consistent production and calming presence helped propel the Pelicans into the playoffs.

Playoff Push

Speaking of the playoffs, New Orleans shocked many fans and analysts by securing a Western Conference play-in spot in 2022. Riding momentum, they dominated the San Antonio Spurs then upset the vaunted Los Angeles Clippers to seize the 8th playoff seed.

First Round Foes

Earning their first postseason bid since 2018, the young Pelicans drew the daunting Phoenix Suns in round one. Phoenix posted the NBA's best regular season record at 64-18 and were led by MVP finalist Devin Booker.

Few observers gave New Orleans a chance, but the underdog Pelicans continually defied expectations. They tested the veteran Suns in nearly every game before finally succumbing 4 games to 2.

The hard-fought series showcased Zion and Brandon Ingram as primetime playoff performers. It also gave the team invaluable experience to build on moving forward.

What's Next?

There are certainly exciting times ahead in the Big Easy. Coach Willie Green has the players and city buying into his team-first vision. Zion continues to tap into his limitless potential. Promising young pieces and a supportive community around them, the resilient Pelicans should keep ruffling feathers atop the Western Conference standings.

FAQs

How long have the New Orleans Pelicans been a franchise?

The Pelicans franchise was founded as the Charlotte Hornets in 1988. After moving to New Orleans in 2002 and being known as the Hornets for over a decade, the franchise rebranded themselves as the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013.

Who is the best player on the Pelicans?

When healthy, Zion Williamson is widely considered the Pelicans' best player and one of the most talented young stars in the NBA. The power forward has averaged over 25 points per game in his first three seasons when on the court.

What stadium is home to the Pelicans?

The Pelicans home arena is the Smoothie King Center in downtown New Orleans. The stadium can hold up to 16,867 basketball fans.

Did the Pelicans make the 2022 playoffs?

Yes, the Pelicans returned to the playoffs in 2022 for the first time since 2018. As the 8th seed, they upset the Los Angeles Clippers then took the 1st-seeded Phoenix Suns to 6 games before being eliminated.

Who is the Pelicans head coach?

Willie Green has been the Pelicans' head coach since 2021. Green is a former NBA player who aims to lead the young, promising Pelicans roster to consistent contention.